Places to Visit in Guwahati

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Wanderlust

Member
I will be travelling to Guwahati in Assam to attend a friend's wedding. After the marriage ceremony gets over, I will be staying in Guwahati for another 2-3 days to do local sightseeing. I need information about the best tourist attractions that one must visit during Guwahati trip. I don't have much idea about Guwahati except for the Kamakhya Temple. If possible, I also want to see a one-horned rhino that Assam is famous for. I won't have enough time to visit Kaziranga, but if there is any place in Guwahati where I can see this majestic animal, then I am game for it.

Can someone please guide me about the important tourist places to visit in Guwahati?
 
Firstly, there are more to explore in Guwahati than just the Kamakhya temple. Secondly, you need not go to Kaziranga to see a one-horned rhino - Assam State Zoo in Guwahati can serve the purpose well.

Here are the must visit tourist places in Guwahati -

1. Kamakhya Temple: One of the 51 Shakti Peethas situated on the summit of Nilachal Hills. Local city buses are there to take you to the temple, or else you can share a seat in Jeep that depart from Kamakhya Gate at the base of the hills. There's a walkable pathway as well, but you need to climb close to 300 stairs to reach at the temple. So unless you are fond of adventure or a die-hard religious soul, the best option is to take the bus or shared Jeep.

2. Basistha Temple: Another important religious site in Guwahati. This 250-years old temple was built by Ahom King Rajeshwar Singh in the 18th century. There is a nice little waterfalls located 2 KM away from the temple.

3. Shankardev Kalakhetra: The heart of Guwahati's culture and tradition. A must visit place if you are interested to know about the rich cultural heritage of Assam alongside other North East states. Besides the cultural museum, there is a replica of traditional Ahom Rang Ghar. A library has been established inside the complex that has a great collection of books about the history and culture of North East India.

4. Umananda Temple: Located in a small islet bounded by the mighty Bramhaputra River. Can be accessed by an enjoyable boat ride. It is an important center of pilgrimage in Assam.

5. Dipor Bill: A huge natural lake comparable to the backwaters of Kerala. Besides being a popular picnic spot, the lake attracts lots of ornithologists and bird-watchers from distant places. Apart from the endemic bird species, you can find a wide variety of migratory birds as well.

6. Assam State Zoo: This is where you can spot a one-horned rhino in Guwahati. It's a well-maintained zoological park with a rich collection of wildlife species. One-horned rhino and Bengal tiger are the popular attractions in this zoo.

7. Assam State Museum: Situated at Gopinath Bordoloi Road in Ambari, Guwahati. It is one of the oldest museums in India. It was established in the year 1940 during the British Raj. It has a great collection of sculptures made of stone, wood, and metal. The famous terracotta sculptures are also present in good numbers. Folk arts and tribal arms section are equally interesting.

I hope, now you have enough places to keep you engaged in Guwahati for 2-3 days.

Regards,
Deb
 
Hello!

You've already gotten a great list there. Here's just a few more places you can visit in Guwahati:
  • Enjoy a cruise at the Brahmaputra River. You can board the Alfresco Grand which is a 44 m long draft vessel powered by 3 engines. Make sure you schedule your cruise just before the sunset as it's an amazing view over the river. The Alfresco Grand has luxury and party cruises. You can also opt for the Houseboat Cruise by SB Agam.
  • Visit the Doul Govinda Temple. The Doul Govinda Temple is located on the Northern side of the Brahmaputra River. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Thousands of devotees come here everyday and offer their prayers.
  • Visit the ISKCON Temple. The temple is located about 2 kms away Guwahati Railway station in the hillock in the ‘Sarania Pahar’ in Ulubari Chariali area. This temple might not be as extravagant as other ISKCON temples but it's definitely serene and peaceful. You can find idols of Lord Krishna and Subhadra here. It also offers panoramic views of the whole city.
  • Explore the Navagraha Temple. Located on top of the Chitrasal Hill, this is an ancient place for astrology and astronomy. There are representation of the celestial bodies in the temple. It is also known as the "Abode of Surya," as sun worship was a common practice back then by the Assamese people.
  • Learn more at the Regional Science Centre. This was established in 1994 and located in Khanapara. There's a science park with science shows and movies. There's also a butterfly corner and even an aquarium. You can also find a list of Indian scientists and Nobel Laureates here.
  • Learn more about the past at the Srimanta Sankaradev Kalakshetra. Features the history of the Assam people and the region.
  • Visit the Tirupati Sri Balaji Temple. Located in Lokhra, this is a temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. It is spread over two acres of land and is a holy shrine for many pilgrims.
  • Enjoy at Accoland Water Park. About 2 kms from Guwahati Airport, is the newly built Accoland Water Park. You can enjoy water rides and water sports here.
I hope this helps!

P.S.

As what has been mentioned, you can spot the one-horned Rhino in the Assam State Zoo. The zoo is closed during Fridays though so schedule your trip accordingly. From Guwahati, the Assam State Zoo is about 8.5 kms away, maybe about 25 minutes to 30 minutes of travel time.
 
Hi,

Apart from these temples mentioned by my friend I want to point out something interesting places in Guwahati.

1. Evening river cruise at the Brahmaputra river.
2. You can see rhino and other wild animals at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary which is located at distance 55km from Guwahati.
3. You must visit beautiful peacock island and Umananda temple.
4. You can also spend some quality time in the lap of nature at Brahmaputra Jungle Resort located at a distance of 34 km from Guwahati city.
 

Best Places to Visit in Guwahati (Updated 2025) – Temples, Nature, & Hidden Gems​

Guwahati, the gateway to Northeast India, is a city that blends spirituality, scenic beauty, wildlife, and modern attractions. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or adventure seeker, Guwahati has something for everyone!
Here’s a complete travel guide with the top tourist attractions, best time to visit, travel tips, and hidden gems in and around Guwahati.

Top Tourist Attractions in Guwahati​

PlaceWhy Visit?Best Time to Visit
Kamakhya Temple One of the most powerful Shakti Peethas in India, dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya.October – March (Avoid Ambubachi Mela crowds in June)
Umananda Island ️The smallest inhabited river island in the world, located on the Brahmaputra River.October – April (Enjoy ferry rides in pleasant weather)
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary Known as the "Mini Kaziranga", famous for one-horned rhinoceroses.November – April (Best for Jeep Safari)
Assam State Museum ️Showcases Assamese culture, history, and archaeology.Open year-round
Guwahati Planetarium Great for space enthusiasts and kids, offers 3D sky-watching shows.Open year-round
Dipor Bil (Deepor Beel) A beautiful freshwater lake & bird sanctuary, perfect for birdwatching & photography.November – March (Best for migratory birds)
Basistha Ashram A peaceful Vedic-era temple & meditation site with a scenic waterfall.Open year-round
Saraighat Bridge The oldest rail-cum-road bridge over the Brahmaputra River, offering scenic views.Best during sunset
Navagraha Temple ️Dedicated to nine celestial planets, an important astrological site.Open year-round
Fancy Bazaar ️The best shopping hub in Guwahati for handicrafts, Assamese silk, and souvenirs.Open year-round

Hidden Gems & Offbeat Places in Guwahati​

✔ Hajo (30 km from Guwahati) – A unique town with Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic pilgrimage sites.
✔ Sualkuchi (35 km from Guwahati) – Known as the "Manchester of Assam", famous for its silk weaving industry.
✔ Chandubi Lake (65 km from Guwahati) – A serene, unexplored lake surrounded by dense forests, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
✔ Madan Kamdev (40 km from Guwahati) – The Khajuraho of Assam, filled with ancient temple ruins.

How to Reach Guwahati?​

Mode of TransportDetails
By Air ✈️Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) has flights from all major Indian cities.
By Train Guwahati Railway Station (GHY) is well connected to Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, and other cities.
By Road NH-27 & NH-17 connect Guwahati to Shillong, Tezpur, and Kaziranga. Government & private buses are available.

Best Time to Visit Guwahati​

SeasonWeatherBest for
Winter (Oct–March)Pleasant (10-25°C)Sightseeing, festivals, wildlife safaris
Summer (April–June)Hot & Humid (25-35°C)Kamakhya Temple, river cruises
Monsoon (July–Sep)Heavy rainsAvoid due to floods & landslides

Local Transport in Guwahati​

✔ City Buses – Cheap but crowded
✔ Ola & Uber – Best for hassle-free travel
✔ Auto Rickshaws – Fixed routes, affordable
✔ Ferries – Best way to reach Umananda Island

Travel Tips for Guwahati Visitors​

✔ Dress Modestly – Especially when visiting temples like Kamakhya & Umananda.
✔ Plan Temple Visits Early – Kamakhya Temple has long queues, so visit early morning.
✔ Try Assamese Cuisine – Don’t miss Masor Tenga (fish curry), Aloo Pitika, Pithas, and Assam Tea.
✔ Carry Cash – Some small markets & transport options may not accept digital payments.
✔ Stay Alert – Be careful in crowded areas like Fancy Bazaar to avoid pickpockets.

❓ FAQs – Visiting Guwahati​

Q1. How many days are enough for a Guwahati trip?​

A: 2-3 days are enough to explore major attractions. If you plan to visit Kaziranga National Park, Shillong, or Majuli, extend to 5-6 days.

Q2. Is Guwahati safe for solo travelers?​

A: Yes, Guwahati is one of the safest cities in Northeast India. However, avoid deserted areas at night and use Ola/Uber for transport.

Q3. What are the best day trips from Guwahati?​

A:
  • Kaziranga National Park – Home to one-horned rhinos (200 km away)
  • Shillong & Cherrapunji – Scenic Meghalaya hill stations (100 km away)
  • Sualkuchi – Traditional silk village (35 km away)

Q4. What are the best shopping places in Guwahati?​

A:
✔ Fancy Bazaar – Assam silk, bamboo handicrafts, souvenirs
✔ Paltan Bazaar – Tea leaves, wooden artifacts
✔ GS Road Malls – Branded shopping & restaurants

Q5. What is special about Kamakhya Temple?​

A: Kamakhya Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and is famous for its Ambubachi Mela, a festival celebrating the menstruation cycle of Goddess Kamakhya.

Q6. What is the best time to see the Brahmaputra River Cruise?​

A: Sunset cruises (5:00 – 7:00 PM) offer the most beautiful views of Guwahati’s skyline. Try the Alfresco Grand Cruise for dinner options.

Final Verdict – Why Visit Guwahati?​

✅ Perfect blend of spirituality, nature, adventure, and Assamese culture
✅ Great base for exploring Northeast India (Shillong, Kaziranga, Majuli)
✅ Budget-friendly & well-connected to major cities
Have you visited Guwahati? Share your experiences below!
 
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